Animal Names for Babies

Though unrelated, this would probably be taken as a fanciful spelling of Patsy.

An Albanian word name with spiky yet playful sounds, Bilbil ultimately derives from the Arabic bulbul, meaning "nightingale". It is used as a masculine name in Albania, however in the Philippines, it is used as slang for love handles.

A peaceful Dutch name that many English speakers will find tough to pronounce.

The French word for firefly has a lot of potential as a baby name, with its similarity to Lucille, the cute nickname Lucy, and the adorable animal meaning. A French bearer of this name is the singer Luciole, born Lucile Gérard.

An Asian name that may be thought of as an English word name, for better or worse.

An ancient name belonging to "the most beautiful of all women" in Germanic mythology, whose tragic story features in many northern European legends. The daughter of Sigurd and Gudrun, her jealous husband had her murdered after she was accused of infidelity, and was then himself killed by Swanhild's brothers.

This ancient Viking-era name is a fresh alternative to Raven.

Lovely, international, tea-scented possibility undiscovered by baby names.

This is one of the few butterfly names that is distinctly masculine, found as a surname in Finland.

Capella, the eleventh brightest star in the sky, carries much mythological and astrological significance. In Roman mythology, Capella represented the goat that suckled Jupiter, whose horn became the Cornucopia or horn of plenty. In Hindu mythology, Capella is called the heart of Brahma, while English legend calls it the shepherd's star.

Kind of a combination of Agnes and Inez, a name rarely heard in the US.

Often found as a brand name in the hi-tech and industrial worlds.

Fierce meaning, gentle image. This name is very common in Israel, where an endearing pet form is Dubi.

In its native Nigeria, Agu is a surname that signifies strength and being a force of nature. Agu as a first name has some pedigree, however: most notably via Agu Casmir, a famous Nigerian-Singaporean soccer player.

May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.

Grrrr.

Ayal is a boys' name used in modern Israel but virtually unknown in the US. Even more popular in Israel is the female form, Ayala.